Press Communiqué of Co-Chairs of Geneva International Discussions

GENEVA, Switzerland, 15 June 2016 - The thirty-sixth round of the Geneva International Discussions has just been concluded.

In Working Group I dealing with security issues, the participants discussed extensively the fatal incident, which occurred in Khurcha on 19 May 2016. In this regard, the Co-Chairs called for a swift and objective investigation into the circumstances surrounding this deeply regrettable crime, co-operation between all relevant actors on the ground and the detention and prosecution of the perpetrator. In this context, they welcomed the constructive engagement of all participants in the meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) held in Gali on 27 May. The next meeting of this IPRM will take place on 6 July.

The participants once again welcomed the constructive co-operation in the IPRM meetings in Ergneti.

While reviewing the overall security situation on the ground, the participants assessed it as relatively stable and calm. The Co-Chairs welcomed the exchanges of views that took place on non-use of force.

In Working Group II, the participants reviewed the humanitarian situation and discussed several issues relating to documentation, crossings, language of instruction, missing persons and cultural heritage. They also expressed diverging views on the resolution adopted at the UN General Assembly on 7 June 2016. In this regard, the Co-Moderators called on all participants to engage in a constructive spirit on all issues on the agenda and regretted that some participants refused to discuss issues related to refugees and IDPs in this forum.